Spirit players make USWNT camps, Tara McKeown signs extension, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks
Happy Thursday, everyone. It’s cold out there, so hopefully everyone stays warm. Could we get some more snow this weekend? We shall see!
Emma Hayes names USWNT January Camp roster (SSFC)
Hal Hershfelt, Tara McKeown, and Ashley Hatch all make the USWNT January Camp roster. There won’t be any matches, but it’s a good chance for them to train and catch the eye of Emma Hayes. We already have a replacement on this roster, as Lynn Williams was ruled out and will be replaced by Hannah Bebar.
USWNT Futures Camp roster gets prime opportunity (SSFC)
Makenna Morris makes the Futures Camp, which is giving U-23 players a chance to be evaluated by Emma Hayes and to get them a chance to show they can be the future of the program. We’re excited to see Morris get into the fold!
Washington Spirit and Star Defender Tara McKeown Exercise Mutual 2028 Option (Spirit)
Tara McKeown will be in DC a while longer! She gets her option picked up through 2028.
Could there be a USL Championship team headed to Puerto Rico? Funded in part by Yadier Molina and…Bad Bunny?!
Deborah Abiodun to leave Pitt, signs with NWSL’s Washington Spirit (PSN)
The Spirit appear to be gaining another rookie, as Deborah Abiodun is set to leave Pitt to sign with the club.
Hakim Karamoko, the 10th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, has signed with DC United and will be on the roster for the season.
Liverpool seal loan signing of Sam Kerr … from Bayern Munich (The Guardian)
Yeah sorry, not that Sam Kerr. The other Sam Kerr is headed to Liverpool on loan from Bayern.
Finally, what could this be about?
Have a good one, folks.
That’s great news that so many young Spirit players have been invited to the respective camps. And I think Abiodun is going to be a huge asset this year.
I’m glad that we signed Hakim Karamoko, although his highlight reels show him to be VERY left-footed. I think an MLS Next PRO team would be a great spot for him, but… well.
Not gonna lie, I’m surprised Marta renewed for another two years- I was pretty sure she had decided to announce her retirement, not this. It seems she’s going to whistle past her best opportunity for a personal “best ending” scenario. Orlando are likely to continue to be a successful club, but at 38, how much can she consistently contribute in the next two years? I know that hunger for the game is what makes her such an obvious GOAT shout, but it appears Pride is not just the name of her club team…
She’s pulling a Tom Brady except she didn’t retire then come back out of retirement.
She played well last season and she moves jerseys and tickets. It makes sense for both sides for her to come back. Two years isn’t a huge risk.
Risk isn’t the word I’d use. It just smacks of Michael Jordan for the Wizards “I don’t know when to stop.”